By Roz Jones
It can be hard enough to keep up with our own lives, let alone worry about our elderly parents living far away. But as our parents age, it’s important to check in on them and make sure they are safe, healthy, and happy. There are a few things you can do to make sure they are getting the care they need, even if you can’t be there in person. If you live in another country or far away from your parents, here are a few tips for caring for them from a distance.
Keep in Regular Contact
Set up regular check-ins. Whether you call, video chat, or text, make sure to touch base with your parents on a regular basis. This can mean calling, texting, video chatting, or even just sending a weekly email. This will not only allow you to check in on their well-being, but also give them a chance to share any news or worries they may have. You can also use these check-ins as an opportunity to teach them how to use new technologies, like video calling, if they are not already familiar with them. Staying in touch will not only let them know that you are thinking of them, but it will also give you a chance to check in on their well-being and see if they need any help.
Hire Professional Help
If your parents need more care than you are able to provide from afar, you may want to hire professional help. This could be a home health aide to come by a few times a week, or even someone to live with them full-time if they are unable to care for themselves. Just make sure to do your research and find someone who you trust and who will treat your parents with respect.
Put Together An Emergency Plan
In the event of an emergency, it’s important to have a plan in place so that you can quickly and easily get in touch with your aging loved ones. Make sure your parents know how to reach you in case of an emergency and put together a list of local contacts who can assist them if needed. It’s also a good idea to sign your parents up for an emergency alert system so that they can receive updates and instructions from authorities in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency situation.
Power of Attorney
Another important thing to do is to designate someone as your parents’ power of attorney. This person will be able to make legal and financial decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so themselves. You should discuss this with your parents and whoever else you are considering before making any decisions.
Caring for your parents from afar can be difficult, but it is possible. The most important thing is to keep in regular contact with them and check in on their well-being. If they need more care than you are able to provide, you may want to hire professional help or designate someone as their power of attorney. By taking these steps, you can rest assured knowing that your parents are getting the care they need even when you’re not there in person.
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